Saturday, September 12, 2009

Jordan Farmar: Even better off the hardwood

When Jordan is not running and gunning with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is heavily involved in charity work in the LA community through his Jordan Farmar Foundation. Jordan describes the foundation's mission on its website "The Jordan Farmar Foundation supports charitable programs that build value, develop character, create opportunities, and foster positive attitudes, with an emphasis on youth programs in Southern California."

Definitely, one of the highlights of the foundation's work is their involvement with the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA. Jordan and his Laker mates (including fellow alum, Trevor Ariza) have visited children at the hospital -- a lot of them are suffering from terminal illnesses -- trying to bring joy to the children in a way that their status as famous NBA stars allows them. And Jordan is not into showcasing his charity work in the media, his focus are solely the children and the community. However, we as outsiders are truly blessed, I think, that Jordan has allowed Elie Seckbach (I love this guy, by the way, although not as much as I love Jordan) to report on the foundation's charity work.





Jordan goes international
Jordan has also tried his shot at international diplomacy, trying in his small way to bring peace to the Middle East, trying to bring the Jews and Arabs a little closer. Last year, he visited Israel and held a clinic among Jewish and Arab children. Again, Elie Seckbach reporting:



Jordan also holds a basketball summer camp for children at UCLA. Here is the link to his camp, Hoop Farm.

Thanks, Jordan, for allowing us to hear and witness all the great work that you do off of the basketball court. I know you've hesitated to have the media cover your charity work. You are not about the media hype, I know that. But being able to hear about all the non-basketball work that you do has definitely blessed me, as, I am sure, it has blessed others. You have been blessed. Thanks for putting your blessings to good use. You are simply a class act. Thank you for all you are doing for the children and the community, locally and abroad. And thanks, too, to your Mom, Mindy Kolani Farmar, for encouraging you to start your foundation. May God continually bless you, your family, your foundation and all the work that you do.

Some important links:
Jordan Farmar's Official website, farmarlive.com
The Jordan Farmar Foundation
Jordan Farmar's basketball camp, Hoop Farm

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